Director's Corner

Syretta R. James, Ph.D., ABPP-Executive Director

Rachel Rothwell, LSCWC-Clinical Director

A Conversation in Breaking the Stigma

During this month, we celebrate all the brave front-line workers, family members, advocates, and individuals who dedicate their lives to reducing mental health stigma.

While more people are discussing mental health, additional work is needed to recognize, support, and advocate for those experiencing mental health concerns.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the prevalence of mental health conditions in the United States (US). Although more than 1 and 5 adults live with a psychiatric condition, the numbers are much greater for children and youth. Nearly 5 million children in the US report having one or more serious mental health conditions, and these conditions reportedly impact their ability to function day-to-day.

These numbers are startling and highlight the need for early mental health intervention. Yet, far too many families face barriers. Why are there barriers? Some barriers are due to a family's inability to recognize mental health symptoms. Other barriers include a lack of available providers, poor family follow-through, and difficulty navigating complex mental health systems.

No matter the reason, families continue to be in need of quality mental health care. At Respire, we want to be a resource, so below are the steps you can take to begin addressing mental health concerns.

• Recognize the signs: Mental health conditions encompass a broad spectrum of illnesses, and they each have various signs and attributions. Some symptoms to look out for are:

• Feelings of sadness or tearfulness 
• Low motivation 
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulty focusing 
• Changes in social behavior, such as self-isolation, avoiding or wanting to be out of the house more than usual 
• Changes to appetite
• Mood changes that happen quickly or feel unexplained 
• Feeling irritable or on edge 
• Headaches or other unexplained aches, pains
• Stomach issues
• Restlessness
• Fearfulness
• Changes in interests or routines

• Get evaluated: If you are experiencing mental health concerns, the most important first step should always be to seek out professional treatment. This can include consulting with your primary care doctor for referrals or reaching out directly to a licensed mental health clinician. There are various types of treatment providers.

Below is a list that differentiates the different providers:

• A licensed psychologist: Has received doctoral-level training in psychology and is skilled in assessment, diagnostics, counseling and behavioral interventions, and consultation.

• A psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner: Is a medical professional that collaborates with other mental health treatment providers and prescribes medication for the treatment and maintenance of mental health illnesses.

• A licensed professional counselor or social worker: Is a mental health practitioner who is skilled at providing counseling and psychotherapeutic interventions to individuals throughout their lifespan. Licensed counselors and social workers have earned a Master's Degree in counseling or social work, and many hold doctoral-level training in their specialty. They also work collaboratively with other mental health providers to ensure the proper maintenance and treatment of mental health illnesses.

There are other types of mental health clinicians, including licensed marriage and family therapists and mental health coaches, that serve as wonderful resources. Regardless of whom you are seeing, take the first step and get help.

• Change your lifestyle: Lifestyle changes are also important for mental health stability. Take note of the environmental conditions that activate mental health concerns so that you are more aware of the things you need to do to support your vitality and consistency. Oftentimes, subtle lifestyle changes are all that is needed to promote wellness when mental health issues arise.

• Advocate: Because mental health issues impact us all, it is important to get involved in organizations that advocate for change. Starting at the local level by engaging county council members and other grassroots organizations helps address necessary change right in the community. In addition, be sure to connect with local nonprofit organizations like Respire Behavioral Health (Respire) to support local initiatives like the early childhood mental health, parenting, family, and individual therapy efforts we provide. Leveraging national organizations such as NAMI or Mental Health America is also a great way to seek out resources for mental health advocacy in your community.

As we move through the month of May, do your part to break the stigma associated with mental health. And remember to honor all the professionals that serve side by side to make a difference in the lives of others.